Best Jewel Case for Storing CDs and DVDs

by Geri
(New York, USA)

I have many digital photos that I am storing copies of on a number of CDs and DVDs. What is the best jewel case for storing these optical discs so that they do not get damaged, either chemically or physically? Are the thin jewel cases acceptable? If yes, then that would save a lot of storage space. Is there a significance in terms of the colour of the jewel cases and whether they will negatively affect the discs stored within them?

The recommended jewel case is the standard size jewel case which is 10mm is size. The standard case suspends the disc at the hub and provides enough of a gap between the case surfaces and disc surfaces so that no rubbing and scratching of the CD or DVD occurs.

Although thin jewel cases (which are half the thickness of regular or standard jewel cases) save space, the disc is much closer to the case and often the disc does come in contact with the case surfaces and this promotes scratching and physical damage. Avoid these thin jewel cases which can be found in a variety of different forms, even spring-loaded gadget type ones.

Standard jewel cases have different colored trays. No one knows if different colors mean different stability and really there is no evidence that different trays contribute to disc problems, but it is a possibility. It is thought that the clear ones are best and so you may want to stick with those but there is no real reason to avoid the other colours.

To be extra sure that the case does not affect the disc chemically, then use polypropylene one piece jewel cases. Polypropylene containers are good to use for long term storage since they do not contribute to the chemical degradation of materials stored in them. Polypropylene also has the added benefit of being much more durable and will not shatter like polystyrene which is the material used in standard jewel cases. Polypropylene cases are also beneficial when the cases are being frequently handled.

More information can be found at this cd storage link.